Citroën C2

Citroën C2
Overview
Manufacturer Citroën
Production 2003–2009
Assembly Aulnay-sous-Bois, France
Designer Donato Coco
Body and chassis
Class Supermini (B)
Body style 3-door hatchback
Layout FF layout
Related Citroën C3
Peugeot 1007
Peugeot 206
Powertrain
Engine 1.1 L TU1 I4
1.4 L TU3 I4
1.4 L ET3 I4
1.4 L DV4 Diesel I4
1.6 L TU5 I4
Dimensions
Wheelbase 91.1 in (2,314 mm)
Length 144.3 in (3,665 mm)
Width 65.5 in (1,664 mm)
Height 58.8 in (1,494 mm)
Curb weight 2,315 lb (1,050 kg)
Chronology
Predecessor Citroën Saxo
Successor Citroën DS3

The Citroën C2 was a supermini produced by the French manufacturer Citroën, with production starting August 2003. It replaced the Citroën Saxo, and was built at the Aulnay plant, on the outskirts of Paris. A different design of the C2, based on that of the Peugeot 206, is sold in China. The Citroën C2 was discontinued in October 2009, and replaced by the Citroën DS3 in January 2010.

Along with the Citroën C3, the C2 successfully replaced the popular, but ageing Citroën Saxo. The two cars have relatively different designs, allowing Citroën to grab different sub-markets of the supermini class. The C2 was designed by Donato Coco. The C3 was originally designed as a larger "family-friendly vehicle", with its 5 doors, whereas the C2 was to project a "young driver" image with 2 doors and flatter styling. Unlike the Saxo, with 2 of 5 stars from Euro NCAP, the C2 achieved 4 out of 5 stars.

Marketing and advertising issues

Unlike its sister models, the Citroën C1 and C3, the C2 was seen as a victim of poor advertising. According to many in the motoring press, it was the most neglected model in the Citroën lineup in terms of promotion. In comparison, the C1 and the C3, on which the C2 is based, were both well-presented in the media. Despite that, the Citroën C2 was awarded the "Best European Hatchback of 2003" in September 2003.

Versions

The LX model is the "no-frills" version of the C2 and comes with basic equipment, including black plastic bumpers and no fog lamps. The L model, produced from 2003 to 2005, came with black lower bumper and door handles, CD player, rear seat modulation and no fog lamps. The Design includes body-coloured bumpers and electric windows. The SX is the luxury spec. It features 'bumper colour-coded paint' and air conditioning, the latter of which increases the 1.1 SX's 0–100 km/h time by 4.5 seconds to 17.2 seconds.

The Furio, VTR and VTS are the sports models which made the C2's predecessor, the Saxo, famous as an affordable, sporty-looking and very fast 'pocket rocket'. The Furio has the same sports body kit as the more expensive VTR and VTS models but lacks their alloy wheels. Earlier models of the Furio had 15" Coyote alloys, but these were later replaced with wheel trims from the end of 2003 onwards.

The VTR also has a 110 bhp (82 kW; 112 PS) engine, whereas the VTS, the premium sports model, has a 125 bhp (93 kW; 127 PS) engine capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 8.0 seconds, seen as sluggish by modern hot hatch standards where the fastest contemporary hot hatch achieved 5.3 seconds (Clio V6), although this is designed to be more insurance-friendly. Other additions which helped the VTS model achieve a low insurance rating (in the United Kingdom) were security based including deadlocks and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm system which includes perimeter and volumetric detection as well as an engine immobiliser.

The 2004 limited edition GT model offers a sporty bodykit, with bright red, blue, silver and black paintwork and unique white alloy wheels. All GTs have a number certificate to show their authenticity. Only 2,250 were made, exclusive to the United Kingdom.

2008 Citroën C2 facelift

In 2006, there were a number of small revisions to the C2. Externally the car looks identical save minor changes to alloy wheels (on the VTR), half colour-coded door mirrors, clear side indicator lenses, and white indicator rear lenses. Internal changes saw a new stereo with vehicle computer integration and some cosmetic changes to the driver displays and centre console. The previous models ran two integrated electrical systems. The popular CAN BUS (Controller Area Network, by Bosch) and PSA's proprietary VAN BUS (Vehicle Area Network). In 2006 PSA dumped the VAN BUS system for an all CAN BUS system, giving it better functionality and compatibility with more component manufacturers. This required some of the electrical components to be replaced, explaining why the displays, radio/CD and some other electronic equipment were changed.

The VTR Sensodrive and VTS manual were the two petrol options available for the Australian C2.

Safety

Euro NCAP test results for a LHD, three-door hatchback variant on a 2003 registration:

Test[1] Score Points
Overall: N/A N/A
Adult occupant: 29
Child occupant: 29
Pedestrian: 12
Safety assist: N/A N/A

Facelift

April 2007 saw Citroën Europe announcing a facelift for its C2 model, which had received a minor update in 2006. The 2009 model year C2 featured a larger front bumper and restyled grille with a chrome surround. The trim specifications remain in-line with the 2008 range. Levels remained unchanged.

Technology

The Citroën C2 brings with it two key new technologies, the Stop & Start environmental system, and the SensoDrive five speed semi-automatic transmission.

A Stop & Start system was previously seen in the 1980s, with the VW Polo "Formel E" and the VW Golf MKIII "Ecomatic", although this was different in operation; in the Volkswagen system the engine stopped automatically when placed in neutral. Selecting a gear by moving the stick to the left (for first or reverse) activated the starter motor.

Engines available

Trim levels

2004–2006 Citroën C2 VTR (Australia)

UK trim levels

2003–2008

2008–2009

Chinese version

Citroën C2 in China

From October 2006, the Peugeot 206 has been sold by PSA, for the Chinese market only as the Citroën C2.[2] With a modified front and rear body, this is similar to the way the Citroën LN was derived from the Peugeot 104. The car has no common features with the model sold on other markets, due to the positioning of the model in the Citroën China line-up. It is produced in China at the Wuhan Dongfeng Peugeot-Citroën Automobile site. It has a length of 388 cm (153 in), width of 168 cm (66 in), height of 144 cm (57 in), with a wheelbase of 244 cm (96 in), and is powered by one of the two engine options: a 1.4 L (76 hp or 57 kW) and a 1.6 L (106 hp or 79 kW). Weight ranges from 1,040 kg (2,290 lb) to 1,100 kg (2,400 lb).[3]

C2 in motorsport

Sébastien Ogier competing in a C2 S1600 at the 2008 Rallye Deutschland.

After the success of Citroën's Xsara in the World Rally Championship (WRC), Citroën expanded their interests to achieve success not only in the WRC but in the support championship, the Junior World Rally Championship (JWRC) in 2004. The earlier Citroën Saxo Super 1600 JWRC car was highly successful. The car won the JWRC title with Sébastien Loeb in 2001, and brought him to the attention of Citroën Total World Rally Team, and again with Daniel Solà in 2002.

With the new C2 replacing the aging Saxo, Citroën concentrated upon making their new car a winner. Using a heavily modified C2 to create the Citroën C2 S1600, the works team and Dani Sordo succeeded in winning the championship in 2005. The C2 S1600 has continued to compete in the championship with privateer teams, and remains successful despite newer machinery from Suzuki, Renault and Fiat works teams. In the 2008 season, Sébastien Ogier brought the Citroën C2 its second junior title, and in 2009, the C2 was again the title-winning car, with Martin Prokop taking the championship.

Sales and production

Year Worldwide Production Worldwide sales Notes
2009 49,100[4] 52,400[4]
2010 8,200[4] 9,300[4]
2011 10,403[5] 10,468[5] Total production reaches 676,004 units.[5]
2010 14,800[6] 14,600[6] Total production reaches 690,800 units.[6]

References

  1. ↑ "Citroen C2 (2003)". Euro NCAP. Retrieved 2011-10-13.
  2. ↑ "Citroën C2" (in Chinese). Citroën Chine. Retrieved 2011-10-11.
  3. ↑ Action Auto Moto Hors-Série N°64. 2010. p. 71.
  4. 1 2 3 4 "Engine specs from PSA Peugeot Citroën" (PDF). Creator and designer. PSA Peugeot Citroën. Retrieved 4 December 2012.
  5. 1 2 3 "PSA Annual Report 2012" (PDF). Car manufacturers. PSA. Retrieved 1 May 2013.
  6. 1 2 3 "Memento Mars 2013" (in French). PSA Peugeot Citroën. 21 February 2013: 50. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
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